Chicago workers’ sit-in becomes a rallying point

AP , CHICAGO

Reverend Jesse Jackson speaks during a news conference in the lobby of Republic Windows & Doors in Chicago on Sunday. Jackson, a civil rights leader, has begun meeting with the hundreds of workers occupying a Chicago factory that they say gave them just three days’ notice before closing.

PHOTO: AP

Workers staging a sit-in on the factory floor of their former Chicago employer to protest abruptly losing their jobs last week awaited a meeting between their union and the company yesterday.

The 200 workers demanding severance and vacation pay have become a national symbol for thousands of employees laid off across the US as the economy continues to sour.

On Sunday, they received words of support from US president-elect Barack Obama and a visit from the Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan also said her office was investigating their former employer, Republic Windows and Doors.

“We never expected this,” said Melvin Maclin, a factory employee and vice president of the local union that represents the workers.

“We expected to go to jail,” he said.

At a news conference on Sunday, Obama said Republic should follow through on its commitments to its workers.

The workers say they would not leave the plant until they are assured they would receive their severance and vacation pay.

“The workers who are asking for the benefits and payments that they have earned, I think they’re absolutely right and understand that what’s happening to them is reflective of what’s happening across this economy,” Obama said.